BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Keystone Heights Airport Authority Board approved contracts to proceed with a new bulk hangar project during its September 9, 2025, meeting, committing to cover a $119,115 funding shortfall using airport resources or loans. The decision came amid discussions on audits, board vacancies, and economic development opportunities, highlighting the airport’s push … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Bob Milner, former president of the Bradford County Fair Association and a related nonprofit, is finally responding to reports of an investigation launched against him, former fair manager Dale Woodruff and the board they worked with. In May, Sheriff Gordon Smith leveled allegations with the realization that in the final … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Florida Highway Patrol said a 17-year-old High Springs man was killed when his motorcycle rear-ended an SUV on State Road 121 Friday night. According to an FHP report, the biker was traveling southbound about a mile south of the O.J. Phillips Recreation Complex when the collision occurred at 6:49 p.m., … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] The Union County School Board kicked off its September 9 meeting with a recognition for the Lake Butler Rotary Club, thanking the group for supporting students and school programs. Superintendent Mike Ripplinger called the organization a “great partner” to the Union County School District, particularly at the high school level. He … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] Union County Commissioners delayed a decision on a proposed merit-based raise policy following a contentious debate over the county’s questionable financial outlook. The proposed policy change, explained by County Coordinator Jimmy Williams, would have given county department heads more autonomy in granting pay raises. Williams presented the idea as a precursor … Read more
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Starke is moving forward with a less costly plan to run sewer lines out to the bypass, as well as seek funds from developers to help with the investment. The city asked Woodward and Curran to evaluate alternatives to extending wastewater service west down State Road 16 (Raiford Road) to … Read more
Recreation board apps available BY MARK J. CRAWFORD [email protected] Bradford County commissioners approved the first expenditure for Bradford Sports United, although it required some discussion. Board Chairman Danny Riddick brought the request to purchase $30,000 of clay to cover the ballfields at Starke’s Edwards Road park. The youth sports program is funded equally by the … Read more
Rep. Chuck Brannan delivered a detailed account of the significant financial support he helped secure for Starke and Bradford County throughout his legislative tenure. Brannan, reflecting on his years in the Florida House, described the process as “Christmas in September” for the community, highlighting the many projects and millions of dollars funneled into the area. … Read more
BY DAN HILDEBRAN [email protected] A St. Johns River Water Management District official told the district’s governing board that the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project is 97% complete, with only work at the project’s treatment facility in Camp Blanding remaining. The project consists of a 17-mile pipeline, pumps, and a treatment facility within the National … Read more
